Citation (Local SEO)

A citation in local SEO is any online mention of a local business’s Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP), even if there is no direct hyperlink to the business’s website. Citations occur in structured directories (like Yelp) and unstructured formats (like a mention in a local news article). Citations are the primary algorithmic mechanism Google uses to validate the physical location and prominence of a business. A high volume of accurate citations from authoritative, locally relevant websites is an absolute prerequisite for dominating the highly competitive Google Map Pack for commercial “near me” queries.

Citation (Local SEO) Simplified

A citation is anytime another website mentions your business’s name, address, and phone number. Google uses these mentions as proof that your business actually exists where you say it does. The more accurate mentions you have, the higher you rank in local searches.